Donkey Kong Bonanza on Switch 2: A Glow-Up or Just an Expensive Midlife Crisis? 🦍

Donkey Kong Is Back. No, For Real This Time.

Let’s be real, it’s been a minute. A whole decade, actually. After 2014’s Tropical Freeze, Donkey Kong basically went on hiatus, leaving us with nothing but memories and a crushing sense of nostalgia. But now, Nintendo is launching the shiny new Switch 2, and with it comes Donkey Kong Bonanza, the ape’s first original game in over ten years. It’s a full 3D action-adventure, and honestly? Not me actually getting hyped. The big question is whether this is the glorious comeback tour we’ve been waiting for or just a tech demo to sell a new console. Let's get into it.

The Switch 2 is Nintendo's 'I'm Rich' Energy

First off, the hardware. The Nintendo Switch 2 finally dragged Nintendo out of the 720p cave, and thank god for that. The new console is boasting specs that actually sound like they belong in 2025. We’re talking a bigger, 7.9-inch screen that’s 1080p and 120Hz in handheld mode. Playing this thing in bed is no longer a visual downgrade. Say less.

When you dock it, it allegedly pushes up to 4K resolution, with support for all those fancy words tech bros love, like DLSS and ray tracing. This is huge for a game like Bonanza, which is being called “technically ambitious.” The promise is a lush, vibrant world with lighting and reflections that don’t look like they were rendered on a potato. For a platformer where timing is everything, the 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support are legit game-changers for smooth gameplay. No more screen tearing when DK is having a tantrum. A vibe.

So, What's the Tea on Bonanza's Gameplay?

The biggest glow-up isn’t just the graphics; it’s the gameplay. The core mechanic in Donkey Kong Bonanza is all about destruction. You can literally punch your way through the world-smashing walls, carving tunnels with your fists, and tearing off chunks of the ground to throw at your enemies. The intrusive thoughts are winning, and I’m here for it. The more you smash, the more of the “vast underground world” opens up. This isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it's about creating your own path through brute force.

And who’s helping him? Pauline. Yes, that Pauline. She’s no longer just a mayor or a damsel in distress; she's a main character with pipes. Her singing powers up DK with “Bananza Transformations.” You get the raw power of a Kong form for smashing and the... incredible speed as a Zebra? Okay, that’s random, but I’m not mad at it. In two-player co-op, one person plays as DK and the other as Pauline, who can use her voice to blast enemies and terrain. She ate that and left no crumbs.

Let's Talk About These New Joy-Cons…

The Switch 2 comes with new Joy-Con 2 controllers, and they’re… a choice. The good news? They have a built-in microphone for a new feature called “Game Chat.” Finally, seamless voice chat for co-op without needing a janky phone app. A feature the rest of the industry has had since, idk, the stone age? The bad news? They added a weird “mouse function” that feels like a solution in search of a problem. Definitely some clown behavior there. Also, RIP to the IR sensor, so any motion controls from the Wii era are officially in their flop era.

Is It Giving Rare Adventure or Retro Polish?

Here’s the real vibe check. For years, fans have argued about the soul of Donkey Kong games. The old SNES games by Rare were all about adventure, discovery, and world-building. Then came the Retro Studios era with Returns and Tropical Freeze-fantastic, tight platformers that some felt were missing that sense of wonder. They were streamlined, momentum-driven, and maybe a little sterile.

Donkey Kong Bonanza seems like it’s trying to thread the needle. The focus on smashing your way through a layered world to uncover secrets feels like a direct attempt to bring back that Rare-era feeling of exploration. But making a 3D platformer is hard, and a bad camera can ruin everything. If I have to fight the camera more than the game’s villain, Void Kong, it’s an instant L for me, bestie. The success of this whole adventure hinges on whether the controls feel good and the camera stays out of the way.

My Wallet is Already Crying 😭

Okay, let’s address the gorilla in the room: the price. Donkey Kong Bonanza is launching at $69.99. Deep breaths, everyone. For a launch window title on a new console, it’s not surprising, but it still hurts. This, combined with Nintendo’s push toward “Game-Key Cards” instead of traditional physical copies, feels like they are gently (or not so gently) nudging us all toward an all-digital future. Your shelf of game cases is getting nervous.

The Verdict (For Now)

Look, Donkey Kong Bonanza has main character energy. It’s poised to be a gorgeous showcase for the Switch 2, and the environment-smashing mechanic could be a revolutionary twist for the platforming genre. It’s ambitious, it’s loud, and it’s finally giving DK something new to do. But its success depends entirely on the execution.

Will the smashing feel fresh for 20+ hours, or will it become a gimmick? Will the 3D camera be a friend or a foe? And is it worth that premium price tag right at launch? We’ll have to wait until July 17th to know for sure. But one thing is clear: Donkey Kong’s comeback tour is set to be one of the biggest gaming moments of 2025. Let’s just hope he sticks the landing.